I know how you felt about driving an unreliable car .. at least mine started every time I needed, though I did pay more in repairs than you.
I guarantee you'll love everything about your new car but you'll sorely miss the handling of the Contour. I used to take corners the same speed as driving straight (never realized I did until friends following behind me told me so) but now I actually have to slow down on curves!
Congrats on buying it though .. and still a stick!
